Topic Wiki

Trip Reports
A Week in London for 2 TR by Davidmal
100,000 Steps by Yuguy
6 Hours in London by Something Fishy
London + Scotland Trip Report by jshelton
London TR by Yehoshua
Mrs. Hvaces42's Surprise London Birthday Adventure by hvaces42
A Trip to See the Queen's Place: dpk4588 Takes on London by dpk4588


Suggested 1 Day Itineraries
1 Day In London by Davidmal
12 Hour Layover by Aaaron
11 Hour Layover by Mootkim

Drivers
Yitzchok: +44 (0) 20 7101 3535 - 8 Seater New VW Transporter (spacious).
Heathrow Drop-off 75GBP Pick up: 85GBP (plus 25GBP and he brings 8 Danishes to the airport too)
Hourly 65GBP
Daily 475GBP
Very Reliable, very nice and funny guy. Frum, professional and has taken very good care of my client - RCARentals (FlightBlitz).
Emmes Car Service (Stamford Hill) +44 20 8809 4444
Darkei Noam Car Share +44 20 8800 5566
Hotels
General Hotels
NameAreaWebsite          Review
Andaz Liverpool StreetCity               Link
Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill              West EndLinkmguy
Marriott - Grosvenor SquareWest End               Link
Marriott Marble ArchWest End               Link5 minute walk to Western Marble Arch Synagogue

Hotels in Jewish Areas
NameAreaWebsite          Review     Notes
Croft Court Hotel                                   Golders Green          Link
Holiday Inn Brent Cross                                  Golders Green          Link
Holiday Inn Express                                   Golders Green          LinkKosher breakfast, Shabbos meals. Contact hotel for more info.
King Solomon Hotel          Golders GreenLink
Nox HotelGolders GreenLinklocated near Shuls/kosher restaurants/underground station
KipAccomGolders GreenLinkrun by a frum guy. Individual rooms for rent.
Park Avenue HotelStamford HillLinkFormerly Kadimah
The Pillar HotelHendonLink

Restaurants
NameLocationTypeHechsher     Notes
86 BistroHendonMeatLBDCLOSED
AsadoStamford HillMeatKED'Mediterranean bistro'
AvivEdgwareMeatKF
Ayelets Catering and DelicatessenHendonDeli/Takeout/ShabbosLBDMoroccan Style
Balady AlaeshGolders Green+High BarnetFalafel/ShawarmaSKA
BalaganBorehamwoodMeatLBDMiddle Eastern
Bagel BarHendonCafèLBD
Bagel Bar GrillHendonMeatLBD
Beit CafeGolders GreenDairyLBDNEW
BooyaGolders GreenIce CreamNEW
Bread BakeryGolders GreenBakery/CaféLBDGreat salad selection!
Burger BarGolders GreenMeatLBD
Cafe AromeEdgwareDairyRESCLOSED
Dagim - Fish&ChipsStamford HillFresh fried fishKEDTake away only - No seating
DarnaGolders GreenMeatKFIsraeli inspired. Formerly Soyo Diner.
DelicatessenHampsteadMeatKFMediterranean & regular options
Deli98Stamford HillDeli/Takeout/ShabbosKEDGreat pulled beef sandwich
FlipsideGolders GreenCLOSED
Eli’s Pizza Borehamwood+EdgwarePizzaLBD
Habiba’s DeliGolders Green+HampsteadMeatLBD
Head RoomGolders GreenCaféKFsocial enterprise café by mental health charity Jami
Hot CutGolders GreenMeatKFMeat Sandwiches etc
Hummus BarGolders Green+HendonMeatLBDHighly reccomended - reserve well in advance.
Isola BellaGolders GreenDairy/Fish/ThaiLBDCLOSED
KaifengHendonChineseLBD
KanteenGolders Green/HendonDairy/FishKFInside Brent Cross Shopping Center
La FiestaGolders GreenMeatLBDArgentinian steakhouse.
MaximGolders GreenDairyKED
MazalCamden TownMiddle Eastern MeatKF NEW
Met-Su-YanGolders Green+EdgwareAsianKF
Mr BakerHendonCafé/BakeryLBDSame location as Mr Falafel and Mr Neapolitan
Mr FalafelHendonLBDNextdoor Mr Baker - uses their seating
Mr NeapolitanHendonPizza/PastaLBDInside Mr Baker. Best artisanal pizza in town!
NovellinoGolders GreenDairyLBD
Novellino BistroGolders GreenMeatLBD
One AshbourneGolders GreenMeatKF50% off steaks on Sundays & Tuesdays
PitaGolders GreenMiddle Eastern MeatKFShawarma/Falafel/Schnitzel etc
PizazaGolders GreenPizzaKFCool on screen ordering at table. Delicious foodSee inside the shop!
PizazaHendonPizzaKFNo screens, and smaller than GG.
PizazaEdgwarePizzaKFHas a playroom for kids
Pizza ShaiHendonPizzaSKA
PortoberryHendonHealth Food/DairyLBDAcai bowls, Poke bowls, Bubble tea, Frozen yogurt etcNEW
Reich'sGolders GreenDeli/Takeout/ShabbosKED
Reuben'sWest EndMeatSKADeli upstairs-Restaurant downstairs
SababaBorehamwoodDairyLBD
SliceGolders GreenPizzaLBDNew York style pizza
SoYoGolders Green+EdgwareDairy/FishKFGood breakfast selection
Sami'sGolders GreenSchwarmaLBDThere are Hendon & Edgware locations as well.
Satmar DeliStamford HillDeli/Takeout/ShabbosKED
Shefa MehadrinGolders GreenDeli/Takeout/ShabbosVarious
Sushi HavenGolders GreenSushiLBDAlso have counter inside Kosher Kingdom
TaboonGolders GreenFalafelLBD
The KitchenEdgwareMeatKFCLOSED
TishBelsize ParkMeatLBDOpen for Shabbos meals
Tony PageWesminsterMeatLBDFine Dining - near  Hyde Park
Tuk TukGolders GreenPan-AsianLBD
White FishHendonFishLBD CLOSED
White House ExpressHendonMeatLBD

London food instagram account for pictures of the food click here!



CLICK HERE for many more bakeries, groceries etc.

Hechsherim Key - As always, AYLOR.

KF - Federation of Synagogues

KED - Kedassia - Local "Heimish" Hechsher

LBD - London Beth Din

SKA - Sephardi Kashrut Authority

RES - Rabbi Eliezer Schneebalg - Machzikei Hadas Edgware





Landmarks & Attractions
You can get 2 for 1 entrance on many of the top attractions by using a railway ticket for travel. (Or just by buying a cheap railway ticket and not traveling). See all the details here: http://www.toptiplondon.com/places-to-visit/2-for-1-offers
AttractionURLNotes
Abbey RoadLink     Famous Abbey Road crossing for Beatles fans.
British LibraryLinkBritain's national library, which houses some fascinating collections including these.
Buckingham PalaceLinkPalace tours only in Aug-Sep. Details for Changing of the Guard here. This tour walks along with the guards from the beginning of their march to the palace and then will get you a nice view of the actual ceremony. 10% off code: FUNGUARD10PC
City CruisesLinkSightseeing cruise on the River Thames.
Harrods of KnightsbridgeLinkLargest department store in Europe, with some really cool (expensive!) stuff on display.
HMS BelfastLinkMuseum on a former battleship.
Horse Guards ParadeLink
Imperial War MuseumLinkHighlights: Holocaust Exhibition, Trench Experience
London EyeLink
Old BaileyLinkWatch criminal trials taking place.
Shakespeare TheatreLink
The ShardLinkView London from the viewing gallery or have drinks at the bar on the 52nd floor. Best time to go is twilight/evening. Possibly a better alternative to the London Eye.
StonehengeLinkPrehistoric monument.
Thames RibLinkHigh-speed RIB boat tour.
Tower of London                             Link     Historic fortress where the Crown Jewels can be viewed.
WB Harry Potter Studio Tour      LinkSee Hogwarts, Diagon Alley etc. See here for a tip on finding last-minute availability
Windsor CastleLinkHistorical castle, and the Queen's weekend home.



General Information

Emergency Numbers
Police/Fire/Amb - 999
Hatzolah NW - 0300 999 4 999 (Golders Green/Hendon)
Shomrim - 0300-999-0123

-If you plan on using public transportation, get an Oyster card. They are much cheaper and easier to use than conventional travel cards, and never expire. They can be bought in many stores in London, or online. These days one can use contactless credit cards instead of Oyster.(Check here to see if your foreign contactless card will work.)

-Here is a handy planner for the public transport system.

-DD's Kosher Sandwiches can be bought in most major airports and stations and at some supermarkets around London.  Check here for a list of locations.

-Kosher in the West End/City -
Selfridges food hall has a variety of kosher groceries and prepackaged ready food by 1701.
Hermolis  also have a deli counter there.  The range includes schnitzels, spring rolls, kebabs, breaded lamb chops, chicken wings, fish products and salads. Traditional Shabbat dishes will be on sale on Thursdays and Fridays. Supervision is provided by the Kashrut Division London Beth Din
In the City Munch'n'Crunch have a stand in Hatton Garden with kosher meals, sandwiches, sushi and coffee. It is located at 32 Hatton Garden, on the lower-ground floor of Jewellery Emporium. There is also Mincha there at 1:30.

-Kosher food at non-kosher hotels, restaurants etc. can be ordered from the following kosher caterers in London. They provide double-wrapped meals to any location and could also match the menu of your location.
Hermolis (KED/LBD)
Royal Cuisine (KED/LBD)
1701/Adafina (LBD)

Zmanim - MyZmanim London

Minyanim - There are many shuls all over London, however there are a couple of places that have more constant Minyanim throughout the day.

Golders Green
General Golders Green Mincha/Maariv times
Hagers (Beth Yisochor Dov Beth Hamedrash)
R' Chuna's (Beth Shmuel Synagogue)

Stamford Hill
Satmar 26 (Clapton Common)
Pinters
Biala Shul (47 Moundfield Rd, London N16 6DT, UK)
Here is a list of addresses and zmanim for the above, and other places.

-Minyan in the West End could be found at the Marble Arch Synagogue. Shacharis during the week is followed by breakfast, and a kiddush on Shabbos.

-Most food products in general stores do not have a hechsher on them. This does not necessarily mean they are not kosher. For example, Coca-Cola does not have a hechsher, but it is kosher. Here is an online kosher product search that could help. Link to Android app.

« Last edited by yitzy93 on December 27, 2023, 09:02:39 PM »

Author Topic: London Master Thread  (Read 747614 times)

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1260 on: January 19, 2016, 06:58:16 PM »
Seems like Bevis Marks is closed for good. Big shame, as it was one of the only worthwhile places around here...
Git morgen!
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Offline SLMYRCB

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1261 on: January 19, 2016, 07:02:16 PM »
Seems like Bevis Marks is closed for good. Big shame, as it was one of the only worthwhile places around here...
Taking about the restaurant?? Waaay over priced and too intimate (but the waiters don't know that it's supposed to be that way). 
Reubens is your best (only) shot for food.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1262 on: January 19, 2016, 07:06:00 PM »
Taking about the restaurant?? Waaay over priced and too intimate (but the waiters don't know that it's supposed to be that way). 
Reubens is your best (only) shot for food.
Ruebens menu reads like a take out place in Brooklyn cholent, gefilte fish, kishka. Thats not restaurant food.
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Offline SLMYRCB

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1263 on: January 19, 2016, 07:09:21 PM »
Ruebens menu reads like a take out place in Brooklyn cholent, gefilte fish, kishka. Thats not restaurant food.
Go downstairs
...although Brooklyn cholent is amazing

Offline ChAiM'l

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1264 on: January 19, 2016, 07:13:39 PM »
Taking about the restaurant?? Waaay over priced and too intimate (but the waiters don't know that it's supposed to be that way). 
Reubens is your best (only) shot for food.
Overpriced compared to NY, or other London places? It wasn't perfect, but probably the best all round experience (food, ambiance etc).

There are plenty of better places than Reubens, between Golders Green, Hendon and Edgware.
« Last Edit: January 19, 2016, 07:17:09 PM by ChAiM'l »

Offline ChAiM'l

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1265 on: January 19, 2016, 07:16:46 PM »
Ruebens menu reads like a take out place in Brooklyn cholent, gefilte fish, kishka. Thats not restaurant food.
I'm not sure why, but it's an English thing that any of the older kosher restaurants had to have the Jewish "staples", matzah ball soup, chopped liver and gefilte fish. Probably because the non religious people who came to eat kosher occasionally expected that from a kosher establishment.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1266 on: January 19, 2016, 07:19:42 PM »
Overpriced compared to NY, or other London establishments. It wasn't perfect, but probably the best all round experience (food, ambiance etc).

There are plenty of better places than Reubens, between Golders Green, Hendon and Edgware.
Given the ease of the underground  those are good options.
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Offline SLMYRCB

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1267 on: January 19, 2016, 07:24:51 PM »


Overpriced compared to NY, or other London places? It wasn't perfect, but probably the best all round experience (food, ambiance etc).

There are plenty of better places than Reubens, between Golders Green, Hendon and Edgware.

Even compared to London prices.

Although there MAY be some better places in Jewish London, I think the op was referring to London proper. Overall Reubens downstairs is great. Seriously great.

I'm not sure why, but it's an English thing that any of the older kosher restaurants had to have the Jewish "staples", matzah ball soup, chopped liver and gefilte fish. Probably because the non religious people who came to eat kosher occasionally expected that from a kosher establishment.

Yep, like evey Kosher (or ~Kosher) delicatessen. But again, the key is downstairs.

Offline ChAiM'l

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1268 on: January 19, 2016, 07:29:28 PM »

Even compared to London prices.

Although there MAY be some better places in Jewish London, I think the op was referring to London proper. Overall Reubens downstairs is great. Seriously great.

Yep, like evey Kosher (or ~Kosher) delicatessen. But again, the key is downstairs.
Downstairs feels like some bubby's dining room that hasn't been cleaned in fifty years.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1269 on: January 19, 2016, 07:34:57 PM »
Would you believe there was an op-ed piece in the NY Daily News this week about the death of the jewish delicatessen. :o

Of course they meant the treif ones in NY like the Stage and Carnegie Deli
 Maybe i should direct them to London to get authentic Pastrami on rye...or "salt beef" as you guys call corned beef. ;D
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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1270 on: January 19, 2016, 07:36:17 PM »
Downstairs feels like some bubby's dining room that hasn't been cleaned in fifty years.
Eh, no Bubby can pull off a rack of baby lamb chops or a Beef Wellington like Reubens downstairs.

Offline SLMYRCB

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1271 on: January 19, 2016, 07:42:31 PM »
Enough said...

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1272 on: January 19, 2016, 07:43:31 PM »
Eh, no Bubby can pull off a rack of baby lamb chops or a Beef Wellington like Reubens downstairs.
You know i never got that far down their menu. When you have "egg and onion" as an appetizer you lost me.
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Offline itsyehuda

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1273 on: January 20, 2016, 01:28:27 AM »

You know i never got that far down their menu. When you have "egg and onion" as an appetizer you lost me.

I think egg and onion is England's version of egg salad.

It was one of the takeout options for 1701 except that was "caramelized onion and egg"

Was surprised when it turned out to be egg salad
I remember when a coke was a nickel, and you could buy VRs in OD.

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1274 on: January 20, 2016, 01:29:33 AM »
We REALLY liked Zest this time around. With the loss of a great meat place, at least there was a very good dairy place.
I remember when a coke was a nickel, and you could buy VRs in OD.

Offline yitzy93

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1275 on: January 25, 2016, 05:13:18 PM »
Kidzania 'adult-entry' for only 1 penny (down from £18/$26) with purchase of 'child ticket'!
Valid on dates through March 24th 2016.

http://www.littlebird.co.uk/-Kidzania?source=webgains&siteid=173389

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1276 on: January 27, 2016, 04:15:54 AM »
Arrive into LGW at 11 AM on March 30 and fly out of STN at 6PM same day. is there enough time to do anything? if so, what?

Offline yitzy93

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1277 on: January 27, 2016, 12:06:34 PM »
Arrive into LGW at 11 AM on March 30 and fly out of STN at 6PM same day. is there enough time to do anything? if so, what?
Maybe just about enough time to pick up some kosher food in Stamford Hill.
Other than that, I don't think you have enough time to do anything interesting.

Offline hvaces42

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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1278 on: January 27, 2016, 12:11:45 PM »
Maybe just about enough time to pick up some kosher food in Stamford Hill.
Other than that, I don't think you have enough time to do anything interesting.
Or Golders Green. If you're taking the trip by car then take the scenic route through London so you can at least see some of the sights (from the car). You have about 3+ hours for a 2 hour trip. 
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Re: London Master Thread
« Reply #1279 on: January 28, 2016, 02:44:19 PM »
Maybe just about enough time to pick up some kosher food in Stamford Hill.
Other than that, I don't think you have enough time to do anything interesting.
Or Golders Green. If you're taking the trip by car then take the scenic route through London so you can at least see some of the sights (from the car). You have about 3+ hours for a 2 hour trip. 
I am using public transportation.
IMO it is not worth the schlepp just for food. Should I walk around the city? If so, which sites do I hit?